James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act
H.R. 763, the James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act, would posthumously award a single Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell—the two civilian members of Andrews’ Raiders—recognizing their extraordinary bravery during the Civil War in the pursuit known as the Great Locomotive Chase. The bill directs the Treasury to strike the gold medal, arrange presentation by the Speaker and the Senate President pro tempore, and then transfer the medal to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a sense that it should be highlighted at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum. The act also authorizes the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates for sale to cover costs, and it places the medals within the federal framework for national medals (under Title 31). Funding for the initial medal would come from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from bronze duplications deposited back into that fund.
Key Points
- 1Posthumous Congressional Gold Medal awarded collectively to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell, recognized as the only civilian members of Andrews’ Raiders for their role in the Great Locomotive Chase.
- 2The Medal is a single gold award; the Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes it.
- 3The Smithsonian Institution will receive the medal after award for display and research, with a Sense of Congress favoring display at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum.
- 4The Secretary may strike bronze duplicates of the medal to sell, with proceeds covering costs.
- 5Medals are designated as national medals (Title 31 U.S.C.) and treated as numismatic items; costs funded from the Mint Public Enterprise Fund.